Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East "John X Yazigi" said that Syria has always been the land of coexistence and fraternity and that what is taking place in it is far from its history.

During a reception in Moscow today attended by senior officials and members of the Syrian community, Yazigi said that "Syria was never enslaved by anyone and will not be enslaved by terrorism mentality or any other ideological extremism".

Patriarch Yazigi expressed gratitude, on behalf of the Syrian people, to the Russian people, adding that the Russian people, Church and leadership have showed a great interest in the Syrian people and provided huge humanitarian aid.

He noted that “We are here today in Moscow to pray for peace in Syria and the Middle East, and we hope we will see peace in Syria”.

In the same context, Patriarch Yazigi said, during a joint prayer held by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, that having prayers in Moscow proves the deep-rooted relations binding the churches and people of Russia and Syria.

Earlier, Patriarch Yazigi delivered a speech at the Conferences Palace in the Kremlin in which he stressed the importance of unconditional political dialogue as to solve the crisis in Syria, adding that the world’s governments should assume responsibility in bringing peace, releasing kidnapped persons, especially Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo and Iskenderun, Bishop Paul Yazigi, and the Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan of Aleppo, Bishop John Ibrahim and the Maaloula nuns.